NPA ACT has two new life members who, together, have chalked up about 70 years of service.

 Brian Slee is a grassroots conservationist in every sense. As well as making an enormous contribution to NPA for nearly 30 years, he is actively engaged at the community level and well-known in his home suburb of Curtin for his work on parks and gardens, and for other efforts such as graffiti removal.

 Brian has contributed to NPA in many capacities, including as walks leader, work party participant and organiser, and Bulletin editor.

Brian on a snowshoeing trip. Photo by Mike Bremers 

Over the years Brian has researched and ‘tested’ many new walks to select the best to add to the NPA outings calendar. In his younger days he focused on the Snowy Mountains, and in 2001 introduced snowshoe day trips which continue to be popular.

 NPA ACT outings coordinator Mike Bremers has been recognised with life membership for his long contribution to the organisation, especially his assiduous work in sustaining and developing a varied program of events.

 Mike has been an NPA member for nearly 40 years. As outings subcommittee convenor since 2020, he has organised NPA's quarterly walks program. He has encouraged and supported new walks leaders, as well as leading walks and other outings himself, including snow-shoe walking, mountain biking, and kayaking.

Mike at Burin Lookout, Ginninderry Conservation Reserve. Photo by Brian Slee 

A keen and experienced kayaker, Mike has led excursions along many of the major rivers in the region, including the Murray-Darling system, and with daughter Angela co-authored Murray-Darling Journeys.

 Mike initiated the popular weekly outings emails to members and streamlined the outings program. He also helped set up and rigorously test the events calendar and outings registration for the new NPA website.